Pat Hill, Red Wave, get your THUMBS UP!

In honor of the United States and our great performance in the 2008 Summer Olympics, we’ve decided to have a little fun — albeit with real opinions — with the Fresno State football team. Anybody can write a preview about keys to the game, position match-ups and game previews (including us, so check back again today to read that too), but not many football gurus have the kind of outside the box (hardly), attention demanding (read if you feel like it) material that goes for the Gold, a la Michael Phelps. So without further ado, here are our medal winners (Gold, Silver and Bronze) for random but intriguing and unheralded attributes regarding Fresno State football’s best.

Oh, and for your listening and viewing pleasure as you read, here is the Fresno State fight song. Click play and then read; that’s our recommendation.

Hardest hitter
Gold: Moses Harris
Has shown growth each year, improved his speed and learned how to use his body for big impact hits.
Silver: Nico Herron
6-3, 240-pound animal likely deserving of the gold, but we’ll keep him here until he proves it on game day.
Bronze: Lorne Bell
Head down, heat-seeking missile; when he’s locked in you’re done.

Surest tackler
Gold: Jon Monga
Take a second to think about all the tackles Monga’s missed; you can stop thinking, it hasn’t happened.
Silver: Ben Jacobs
He’ll take a shot at you if he has a chance to, but he knows not to gamble if a guy could get by him.
Bronze: Eric Brown
A Kyle Goodman-like presence on special teams, he thrives at being the first guy downfield on kickoffs.

Fastest WRs
Gold: Marlon Moore
No explanation needed.
Silver: Devon Wylie
Devon Wylie doesn’t run like the wind, the wind runs like Devon Wylie.
Bronze: Chastin West
Others in the mix, but haven’t necessarily had the chance to prove it yet like West has.

Fastest RBs
Gold: Lonyae Miller
Similar 40 time to Mathews, but with longer strides and still hasn’t been caught from behind.
Silver: Ryan Mathews
Gone before you know it, but still has something left to prove with breakaway speed.
Bronze: Anthony Harding
Harris and Ellis haven’t proved it yet, and Harding ran so fast he knocked a Georgia Tech guy out.

Fastest LBs
Gold: Mario Moore
175-pound walk-on is just flat out faster than the rest.
Silver: Quaadir Brown
Especially now that he dropped all that weight.
Bronze: Chris Carter
Somebody has to win bronze; Carter gets the nod for experience.

Fastest DBs
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
Just ask those who have chased him what his dust tastes like.
Silver: Isaiah Green
It’s not easy be(at)ing Green.
Bronze: Sharrod Davis
I’m going to make fun Oregon ‘cause they don’t have him anymore. Edges out Phillip Thomas.

Fastest Overall
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
If he and Moore ran side by side they’d tie, but somebody had to get first.
Silver: Marlon Moore
If he and Jefferson ran side by side they’d tie, but somebody had to get second.
Bronze: Devon Wylie
Caught from behind at Texas A&M, but more stamina, speed and strength this year.

Stickiest hands
Gold: Bear Pascoe
Winnie the Pooh was recently overheard saying, “This honey’s as sticky as Bear Pascoe’s hands.”
Silver: Vince “Cub” Pascoe
If Cub played baseball, he’d be catcher.
Bronze: Chastin West
He made the tough, acrobatic catches all camp long.

Best cover guy
Gold: Damion Owens
A true coverage corner who doesn’t allow WRs much space.
Silver: A.J. Jefferson
Jefferson is faster than Owens and can cover best deep.
Bronze: Sharrod Davis
If you catch a ball in front of Davis, you’re getting’ hit.

Special teams guy
Gold: A.J. Jefferson
No. 1 in the country in kick returns and a preseason All-American.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
He’s the reason for the push in the middle that leads to so many blocked kicks.
Bronze: Bobby Shepard
Redshirt freshman is in there every play and expected to be a four-year mainstay.

Most Outgoing on-field personality
Gold: Joe Bernardi
“Joey, Joey, Joey.” If he’s within a mile, you’ll know it.
Silver: Bobby Lepori
A chatterbox on and off the field who is everyone’s friend.
Bronze: Jason Crawley
He’s been seen at practice with a feather in his helmet and a Fresh Prince headband.

Coolest facemask
Gold: Ryan Mathews
The DNA helmet was a fresh look.
Silver: Richard Pacheco
A true old-school O-line mask.
Bronze: Tapa Taumoepeau
We mostly just wanted you to try and say his name.

Prediction for most bones
Gold: Tom Brandstater
His growth coupled with the most opportunity gives him the gold.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
Bones for blocking, catching and blocking kicks.
Bronze: Ryan Mathews
If he goes for 1,000 yards and similar TD numbers he’s in the mix.

Most intense coach
Gold: Pat Hill
Every time I see/hear him I want to run through a brick wall.
Silver: Dan Brown
When he’s fired up, the D better be ready for a lecture.
Bronze: Derek Frazier
Brings the hands-on intensity when he doesn’t like what he sees.

Best tactical coach
Gold: Randy Stewart
He teaches and teaches and teaches, ‘til his shirt is soaked with sweat.
Silver: John Baxter
Special teams results speak for themselves.
Bronze: Derek Frazier
Do it right or he’ll show you how to do it right.

Route runner
Gold: Devon Wylie
No one can keep up with his quick cuts and change of direction.
Silver: Jason Crawley
His most refined trait; a true possession receiver who gets the tough first downs.
Bronze: Darren Newborne
Hard-working former walk-on has mastered the little things.

Jump ball catch
Gold: Chastin West
He’s proven his acrobatic ability in games.
Silver: Bear Pascoe
Hands, size and toughness to pull it down in traffic; he’d get Texas A&M’s vote.
Bronze: Seyi Ajirotutu
Height, hands and jumping ability.

Best at changing direction
Gold: Ryan Mathews
He can stay at full speed while contorting his body to either side.
Silver: Devon Wylie
Low to the ground and accelerates fast; uncoverable in the first 10 yards.
Bronze: A.J. Jefferson
Makes his cuts while still moving up the field.

Best practice player
Gold: Ryan Colburn
He’s gone from looking like a mess as a freshman to looking like a big-time QB because of the time he put in.
Silver: Kenny Wiggins
Just waiting for an opening to become the next O-line star.
Bronze: Richard Pacheco
It’s no coincidence why he earned the starting nod at center.

Best NFL prospect
Gold: Bear Pascoe
His skills are most likely to guarantee him a roster spot on an NFL team.
Silver: Tom Brandstater
Might have the highest ceiling, especially as a late bloomer.
Bronze: A.J. Jefferson
As long as he proves last year wasn’t a fluke, he can make it on return abilities alone.

Best motor
Gold: Jon Monga
He’ll grunt, growl, hit and run until the whistle blows.
Silver: Ikenna Ike
Former walk-on had to put out non-stop effort to get to where he is.
Bronze: Offensive Line
They’re a bunch of Energizer bunnies.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Returning kickers: 2
Incoming: 1
Lost: 2 (Clint Stitser, Kyle Zimmerman)

As has become the norm with Fresno State under special teams coach John Baxter, who’s been with Pat Hill since he took over for the Bulldogs in 1997, the special teams are special. Baxter has made the Bulldogs one of the most feared special teams units year in and year out as one of the nation’s top blocking threats. And adding to that is the return of junior cornerback A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190), who wowed the nation last season with the top-ranking average of 35.8 yards per kick return and 2 touchdowns with a long of 98 yards. He also returned a blocked field goal more than 60 yards for a touchdown at Nevada. Jefferson has been named first-team on several publications’ preseason All-America teams.

It’s still somewhat unclear whether he’ll handle punt return duties too – that assignment was the departed Clifton Smith’s (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) last season. Now, it’ll likely be either Jefferson, sophomore wide receiver Devon Wylie (5-9, 170) or junior wide receiver Marlon Moore (6-0, 190). Wylie looks matured with speed and endurance from his true freshman campaign last season, when he was second in kick returns with 22.2 yards per attempt and a long of 47. Moore returned 4 kicks for a 28.2-yard average with a long of 34, and 2 punts for 16 yards. One of them will likely also be the other kick returner, unless junior wide receiver Chastin West (6-1, 215) reclaims the role he held in 2006 before missing last season with injury. West averaged 22 yards per kick return as a redshirt freshman, including a 93-yard touchdown at Boise State. No matter who gets the nod, it’s safe to assume the Bulldogs are in good hands in the return game.

The kicking game is much less proven, but looking strong. Redshirt freshman Kevin Goessling (5-10, 165) has a booming left leg comparable in power to Clint Stitser’s. The hope, though, is that Goessling will prove more accurate. After a so-so Spring Game, Goessling nailed 5 of 5 attempts in the first fall scrimmage, including a 53-yarder, but still has yet to face a real-life game situation. The Bulldogs also have some surprising depth with the emergence of walk-on Andrew Shapiro (6-1, 170). The right-footed Shapiro showed tremendous leg strength, and a quirky sense of humor, of his own in fall camp, and will be able to fill in at kicker or punter if needed. He’s also competing with Goessling for kickoff duties. Another walk-on will back those two up in redshirt freshman Stephen Ferdinandi (5-7, 165). Ferdinandi leg just isn't comparable to the other two kickers, so he'll have to work on his accuracy from mid-range to ever see playing time.

Atop the depth chart at punter is sophomore Robert Malone (6-2, 215), who does have some game experience. He started 2 games as a true freshman before going down with a season-ending injury, and then started last season before Kyle Zimmerman won the job. Malone had a career-long of 53 yards as a true freshman, but has struggled with consistency. If he can solve that part of the equation, watch out, because he showed as powerful a leg as any punter in school history during camp. Malone also returns as the holder on field goal attempts, but will have to adjust to working with a lefty this season.

The unit should also benefit a great deal from redshirt freshman holder Bobby Shepard (6-1, 235). He’s the first holder ever redshirted by Hill, a sign that Hill feels he can be a fixture on special teams for four years. He’s drawn comparisons to former Bulldog Kevin Murphy, who in four years as the starter never botched a snap. Senior tight end Bear Pascoe (6-5, 265) is the backup.

Rating: 9 of 10

DEFENSIVE BACK

Returning players: 16
Incoming: 2
Lost: 1 (Damon Jenkins)

With the strength of some of the WAC’s passing attacks, it’ll come in handy that Fresno State’s defensive strength is its secondary. Four players with starting experience return. Junior strong safety Moses Harris (5-11, 205) has assumed a leadership role for the defense, on the field and in the classroom. He hit the practice field during camp with a more boisterous confidence that is shared by the rest of the defensive backs. Harris, a workout demon, is one of the team’s hardest hitters and thrives in blitz packages. He’s beatable in pass coverage, but did a lot of running work in the offseason and should be improved all around – especially in his closing speed. Harris ranked fifth on the team with 62 tackles last season, including 3.5 for losses, an interception and a blocked kick.

The free safety job is still up for grabs. Junior Marvin Haynes (6-1, 205) was the starter last season and part of his redshirt freshman year, but missed spring camp with injury. That opened the door for much-improved senior Jake Jorde (6-1, 205), who came on strong in the final few games of the 2007 season. Haynes was third on the team last year with 65 tackles, including 2.5 for losses and a forced fumble. He looks to have added some upper body size in the offseason, and has split first-team reps with Jorde during fall camp. Jorde played mostly on special teams until last season, capping the year with a game-sealing interception against Georgia Tech in the Humanitarian Bowl. He finished with 23 tackles on the year. Both are sure to see significant playing time.

At cornerback, the Bulldogs have a trio rotating for the top two spots. So far, they’ve all been playing so well there’s no clear cut winners. Junior Damion Owens (5-11, 200) was the best coverage corner last season and looked to be on his way to stardom. After starting all 13 games as a sophomore, Owens finished with 42 tackles, 1 for loss and an interception. More interceptions are expected from Owens, and the rest of the unit, this season after they were tied for last in the nation with 4 in 2007. In fall camp, Owens biggest improvement was the way he jumped routes, picking off two passes in a short 11-on-11 drill during camp’s first week.

Another corner who looks more aggressive than a year ago is junior A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190), who is one of the 2 or 3 fastest players on the team. Jefferson was chosen for preseason All-America honors by several publications for his kick return abilities. He had 37 tackles last season, and has the closing speed to give quarterbacks and receivers fits.

The standout this season though, might be senior Sharrod Davis (5-11, 190), who’s brings a high level of physicality to the table. Last year was Davis’ first as a Bulldog, after transferring from Grossmont College via Oregon. Davis has great awareness of where the first-down marker is at all times and does a superb job of keeping the receiver from reaching it. He also showed last season he’s capable of delivering a knockout blow, which he did in a shutout of San Jose State in 2007. Davis had 16 tackles in 10 games last season, but is miles ahead now of where he was entering camp in 2007.

Another senior, Will Harding (6-1, 200), will be a big boost to the secondary. He was granted an extra year of eligibility because of a season-ending health issue while at Modesto College. Splitting his time between corner and safety in his first year as a Bulldog, Harding (the older brother of running back Anthony Harding) recorded 10 tackles, 2 for losses and a sack. He’s another much-improved corner.

A bit of encouraging news at safety is sophomore Lorne Bell (5-10, 200) was able to participate from Day 1 of fall camp. His season was ended last year with an injury against Kansas State that was thought to possibly keep him out a good portion of this season as well. But he’s looked good speed-wise in recent contact drills. If healthy, Bell is as good a safety as there is on the Bulldogs and will see plenty of playing time. Another one of the team’s hardest hitters, Bell was tied for sixth on the team with 51 tackles (3.5 for losses).

Another safety expected to emerge this season is redshirt freshman Zak Hill (6-2, 200), the son of coach Pat Hill. Hill earned scout team defensive MVP honors last season, and has good coverage speed and game knowledge. Still, he had an up-and-down first week of fall camp, and didn’t do a whole lot to stand out. But he’s definitely got that potential, though it may be a year away. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Hill converted to linebacker if depth issues arise.

Big things could be in the near future for redshirt freshman cornerback Isaiah Green (5-10, 180) if he’s healthy. Green missed sat nearly all of the first week of fall camp, but has blazing speed. He ran the 100 meters in 10.50 seconds in high school. Greyshirt freshman Jermaine Thomas (5-11, 180) may not find the field as quickly as Green, but is another youngster to keep an eye on for the future.

Junior Frank Manquero (6-1, 190), a former walk-on from Orosi High, is working with the third team. He’s still raw and inexperienced, but adds solid depth and works hard. The young safeties to watch include greyshirt freshman Phillip Thomas (6-0, 190) of Bakersfield who should eventually develop into a standout. Thomas has seen a lot of reserve reps during camp and stood out. He’s joined by redshirt freshman Terrance Dennis (5-11, 170), who has looked solid in camp but needs to put on at least 20 pounds to be as physical as the Bulldogs would like.

Walk-on redshirt freshman corner Desia Dunn (5-9, 175) was tested early in camp with coverage assignments against the Bulldogs’ tallest receiver, Seyi Ajirotutu. Dunn held his own despite the obvious height difference. If he develops into a guy who can contribute it’ll be a nice bonus. The same holds true for junior walk-on safety Dorian Penn (6-0, 195), who has received plenty of reps in camp. He’s got comparable size to the starters.

A couple walk-ons round out the unit in freshman corner Kevin Russell (6-0, 180), a twin brother out of Clovis East High, and junior corner Raul Hernandez (5-10, 175). Neither is likely to play this season. The lone 2008 signee at corner, athletic L.J. Jones (5-11, 170) didn’t report to camp. He was expected to compete for immediate playing time.

Rating: 8 of 10